LIFEBOAT crews helped to rescue a stricken motorboat after its engine failed and it later ran aground.

Harwich’s RNLI crew received a distress call shortly after 6.40pm on Saturday from the boat in trouble near south Felixstowe.

The Felixstowe Coastguard Rescue Team also attended the scene, reporting that individuals were in the water attempting to get the boat afloat.

The crews managed to restart the motorboat’s engine but despite being able to get back on the move, it ran aground near Shotley.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Rescue operation - RNLI Harwich's lifeboat was deployed to assist the stricken motorboatRescue operation - RNLI Harwich's lifeboat was deployed to assist the stricken motorboat (Image: RNLI/Adam Prescott)

“The shallow waters made it impossible for the inshore lifeboat to get alongside them,” said an RNLI spokesman.

“As the light was fading, and concerns for the casualties who had been in the water grew, the all-weather lifeboat was launched at 8:15pm to assist.”

The ALB deployed a smaller boat it has onboard which managed to reach the stranded casualties.

The spokesman said: “With the tide starting to rise, the team successfully refloated the vessel and towed it into Levington Marina. They arrived at their destination at 8:30pm.”

He added: “During this operation, we want to acknowledge the invaluable support of Felixstowe Coastguard, Holbrook Coastguard and a special thanks to Felixstowe Coastwatch for their assistance at the beginning of this incident.”